Keep your protein drinks fresh, cold and, most importantly, well-blended.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottle
Many of us have had the misfortune of swallowing a chunk of chalky, unmixed protein powder in our protein shakes. A good shaker bottle can help ensure that your shake will be properly mixed, which keeps the sipping pleasant and optimizes your muscle recovery post-workout.
The fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab rigorously test a variety of health and wellness products year-round, including smart water bottles, fish oil supplements and electrolyte powders. In our latest round of testing for shaker bottles, we examined and tested 15 models in our Lab, looking at how well each one blended two scoops of protein powder.
During testing, we double-checked the measurement markings on the sides of the bottles and assessed just how well the blending mechanism in the bottles incorporated protein powder into the liquid. Additionally, we tapped at-home testers to use the bottles in their daily life to see how portable they are and how they worked with different powders and liquids.
A good shaker bottle can make creating a shake easy; they're a quick way to up your protein intake after a workout or as a midday refuel. Read on to see our picks, what to consider before buying one and why you should trust our reviews.
The Bolde Bottle takes the cake when it comes to thoughtful mixing of protein shakes. We found that it mixed the best of all the options we tested and made minimal noise as we shook. Solidly constructed of stainless steel, it has beneficial features like the blending mechanism attached to lid for mixing and staying out of the way during sipping, though it is removable for cleaning.
Our testers particularly liked that liquid stays cool thanks to the insulation and that the handy bottom compartment can store protein powder. But take note that while the bottle itself is dishwasher safe, the bottom compartment is hand wash only. This makes it especially easy to mix up a refreshing shake at the gym post-workout.
While it does not have a built-in handle, you can purchase a silicone carrying loop. But at $8, it does add a cost to the $55 price tag.
At under $10, this affordable shaker bottle uses a silicone agitator ball to blend up your post-workout drink. Although it didn’t blend as well as some others on this list, we still think it’s a good budget-friendly choice for the average user. According to the manufacturer, it's made of a microban antimicrobial material that is both stain and odor resistant.
One tester appreciated that the shape allows it to fit in a cup holder, and also noted the cute color selection. Our pros like that the carrying handle is a carabiner that doubles as a clip and that it rotates 180 degrees so you can keep it out of the way while drinking.
For the price, the Classic V2 Shaker Bottle is a no-brainer and an improvement on older Classic BlenderBottle models. According to the manufacturer, it's made from BPA-free plastic, and this shaker also features a "spout guard" to protect the mouthpiece from germs. The adjustable carry-loop is a plus too. The BlenderBottle wire whisk and rounded base help to thoroughly mix any shake, and we found that it performed well in our testing, though it was a bit noisy.
Testers love that this bottle comes in a variety of different sizes, so you can make a small protein shake or keep a large bottle at home to refuel post-workout. "I like being able to see inside to make sure everything's shaken up," one tester commented. Best of all, everything is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. If you're looking for a locking lid, try the Strada model, which is a small upgrade from the Classic V2.
After the founders of IceShaker appeared on Shark Tank, this insulated shaker bottle brand created by the Gronkowski brothers gained popularity. We like that, instead of a loose blender ball, it uses a twist-off agitator that blends well but connects to the bottle so you don't lose it. The wide mouth made it easy for us to add our scoops of protein powder, but the cup is tapered at the bottom so it can still fit in a cup holder. If you don't need the 26-oz capacity, there is a 20-oz skinny shaker version.
The cap can be a bit tricky to secure, so make you feel it double clicks before shaking. That being said, testers were impressed with how secure the lock was: "I arrived at the gym, and my bag was still dry. No spills, no leaks," one tester commented. They also loved that the bottle did a great job of keeping shakes cold. "I filled the IceShaker with water and ice at 6 am. After 15 hours, some ice melted, but the water was cold. At 30 hours, ice was completely melted, but the water was still cold!"
If you want to avoid plastic or stainless steel, this glass shaker bottle is a great option. The clear material allows you to see how well your shake is mixed, and because it's made of glass, it’s BPA-free. It uses the BlenderBottle wire whisk, which we found was a little loud when shaken against the glass. Take note also that the mouth is narrow, so it wasn't the easiest to add powder to.
We liked that there is silicone protecting the bottom of the bottle and a silicone finger loop on the top for easy carrying. As a bonus, it’s also a little more attractive than your standard shaker and comes in other colors like pebble gray and pink.
Too many blender balls to keep track of? This Helimix Vortex Bottle doesn't use one at all; it has a unique faceted design. While we haven't officially tested this one, reviewers swear by the vortex technology that blends a protein shake well without a blender ball. However, some note that the spout seems to leak a bit if not properly closed.
The cap comes in a variety of bright colors too. The best part is that it’s entirely dishwasher safe unlike most that require you to wash some parts — like blender balls — by hand.
This sleek and compact electric blender bottle is ideal for on-the-go shakes and smoothies.
Of all the bottles we tested, this blended our protein shake the best, thanks to the motorized blades at the bottom, although it's best for blending fruits and protein powders rather than any icy drinks. The strainer at the top of the bottle also ensures that you're not drinking any potential large clumps. The overall size of the blender is compact — it fits in most standard cup holders — and that means the liquid capacity is on the small side (holds about 16 ounces). But you can purchase an optional XL jar to fit on the top that has a capacity of 32 ounces.
It comes in a ton of fun colors, and cleanup couldn't be simpler — just add dish soap and water and blend. It's cordless but it does require charging before use, and it lacks measurement markings.
We tested 15 different shaker bottles in the Good Housekeeping Institute Wellness Lab to determine the ability of each bottle and blender ball to thoroughly combine protein powder and liquid. Each shaker bottle was filled with 16 ounces of water and two scoops of the same protein powder; as we shook the bottle, we timed how long it took for the beverage to thoroughly combine. We also collected data from at-home product testers and took their feedback into consideration. When testing, we checked for:
✔️ Clumps: Not every blender ball is created equal, so we let the finished shake stand for 10 minutes and then poured it through a strainer to see if any clumps remained.
✔️ Accurate markers: Most shaker bottles have liquid measurement markings on the side. To ensure accuracy, we filled each bottle with water and confirmed the amount by using a food scale.
✔️ Leakage: No one wants a spilled protein shake in their gym bag. To check that the seal was secure, we turned the bottle upside down for 1 minute to check for any leaks. We also had testers provide feedback on how the bottles kept up in their gym bags to and from their workouts.
✔️ Noise: Many traditional shaker bottles can be loud when shaken due to the included blender ball, so we rated the noise during blending. We also had home testers note how loud their bottles were when shaken.
If you’re regularly drinking protein shakes, you're going to want a shaker bottle that will fit your active lifestyle. There are a lot of options out there, but there are some universal guidelines to consider when shopping for a shaker bottle.
✔️ Portability: Many people use their shaker bottles on the go, which is why you want one that is easy to carry and has a special lock to minimize leakage. Some offer carrying loops that make it easier to hold with your finger or clips so you can attach the bottle to a gym bag. We also like versions that fit snugly in a cup holder so you can sip in the car post-workout.
✔️ Blender mechanism: The quality of your protein shake relies heavily on the included blender mechanism. Larger blender balls can be more noisy, but they are generally quicker to blend. Smaller mechanisms may require more effort on your part. Options with a mechanism at the top work well too.
✔️ Material: Many shaker bottles are made of plastic but there are also glass and stainless steel options:
✔️ Liquid capacity: You want your shaker bottle to hold at least 16 ounces of liquid while also giving you some additional room to shake well. Bottles that hold 20 ounces will give you enough space for mixing 2 cups of liquid, but if you want a larger protein shake or a more diluted shake, you might want something larger.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: For the easiest cleanup, check to see whether your shaker bottle is dishwasher safe. Regardless, you may still want to hand wash your blender ball separately to remove any powder from the nooks and crannies.
✔️ Protein powder compartment: If you like to mix your shake on the go, look for a model with a compartment that can store a scoop or two of protein powder. This lets you make your shake fresh at the gym or work, rather than mixing it before you go.
While they're not entirely necessary, if you regularly consume protein shakes, then a shaker bottle can certainly come in handy. The point of a shaker bottle is to quickly combine protein powder and liquid with the help of a whisk ball or other agitator. Without one, you will need to stir or whisk your shake by hand, which requires more effort.
If your shaker bottle is dishwasher safe, you can place it on the top rack for a deep clean, but you might need to wash the blending mechanism by hand. You can also try to shake a traditional blender bottler with soap and water to loosen any stuck-on protein powder. With electric blenders, you can just add soap and water to the jar and run the motor.
For those blender bottles that aren't dishwasher safe or for an occasional deep clean for the bottle, we recommend BlenderBottle's affordable 2-in-1 cleaning brush is made specifically for shaker bottles.
Stefani Sassos has been working in the nutrition and fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, she uses her expertise and knowledge of exercise science to create informed fitness content for Good Housekeeping. She's reported on protein powders and has been using shaker bottles for over a decade.
This roundup was updated by Courtney Campbell, who has written product reviews on a variety of topics over the course of her career. She has tested everything from reusable straws to standing desks.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
Stroll On: The Best Gifts for Walkers
The Best Sous Vide Cookers
The Best Dog Food Delivery Services
The Best Personal Blenders for Portable Smoothies
The Best Organic Baby Food Brands
The 9 Best Melatonin Supplements of 2024
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Custom Travel Mug ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.